Standard P229 vs Elite Dark

[Ronin13]

Is the Elite Dark worth the extra $300 or so? I've wanted a P229 for a while now (don't get mad, but should have bought that instead of my Springfield 1911)... Is there any real big difference besides the slide ridges on the front, beaver tail, and grip?
Standard P229R
http://sigsauer.com/upFiles/catalog/product/P229-1-Nitron-detail-L.jpg
P229 Elite Dark
http://sigsauer.com/upFiles/catalog/product/229-Elite_dark-detail-L.jpg

[Monky]

All cosmetic.

To be fair though.. it looks as if that's a new E2 for the standard and the old elite.

[Ronin13]

Thanks Monky... yeah, I noticed the grips are old on that elite... but that pic is from the Sig Sauer website, YMMV

[Monky]

Thanks Monky... yeah, I noticed the grips are old on that elite... but that pic is from the Sig Sauer website, YMMV

They do have a new picture of the 229 elite w/ the E2. Might be hard to find though till people burn through their old stock. Not sure if there is a different designation on the orders.

[Fromk]

The Elites come with a short reset trigger and night sights which I think are great to have. The aluminum grips are expensive on their own but whether or not you think it's worth it is up to you. I thought the Elite lines had stainless steel frames instead of aluminum but I don't see it listed in their description so I'm not sure.

So even if it's an aluminum frame that's where the extra cost is coming from. If someone can confirm that it is a stainless frame, and you are ok with extra weight, I'd say they provide you with $300 worth of extra features.

Correction: looks like I was wrong about the night sights on this model. Maybe that's why they call it the "dark!" HA!!!

[Monky]

The Elites come with a short reset trigger and night sights which I think are great to have. The aluminum grips are expensive on their own but whether or not you think it's worth it is up to you. I thought the Elite lines had stainless steel frames instead of aluminum but I don't see it listed in their description so I'm not sure.

So even if it's an aluminum frame that's where the extra cost is coming from. If someone can confirm that it is a stainless frame, and you are ok with extra weight, I'd say they provide you with $300 worth of extra features.

Correction: looks like I was wrong about the night sights on this model. Maybe that's why they call it the "dark!" HA!!!

Oh snap I forgot about the frame.. the trigger I don't think about since you can always get an SRT installed.. but yeah my 220 elite is a stainless. Love the weight of it.

[DenverLEO]

The Dark Elites do come standard with adjustable night sights, SRT trigger, and aluminum grips (the grips alone sell for ~$100). The Dark Elite frames are NOT stainless! They are the standard alloy beavertail frame. Stainless-framed Elites are available, but they will specifically state "STAINLESS" on the label and will have "ST" in the product code.

They are good guns. The price premium is really up to you to determine, but in my opinion the added features are in-line with the cost increase.